SAN ANTONIO — A new exhibit at the Witte Museum is bringing the world of space exploration to San Antonio.
“Surviving Space: Astronauts & Asteroids" explores life as an astronaut and how scientists are defending Earth from future impacts.
“This exhibition has all the features that we really look for in an exhibit. It has lots of interactives that the family will enjoy but also has a lot of science, a lot of educational opportunities and its one of those exhibits that really inspire everybody to get excited about science and in this particular case about space,” Chief Curator and Vice President of Research Thomas Adams said.
"Surviving Space," begins with guests learning about what happens when mysterious objects impact the Earth. The display takes us back 66 million years ago to the arrival of a massive meteorite that lead to the extinction of the dinosaurs.
Visitors will get a chance to examine real meteorite shards from impact locations. The first part of the exhibit also highlights how scientists have prepared and plan to divert future asteroids and meteors from Earth’s path.
The exhibition also features real NASA artifacts like a Mars rover model and authentic flight suits – including the suit worn by Dr. Ellen Ochoa, the first Hispanic woman to go to space.
“Texas has a long history of space exploration so we absolutely were excited to bring ‘Surviving Space’ to the Witte, plus it allowed us an opportunity to customize the exhibition so this isn’t the exhibit you might’ve seen at other museums as it travels around the U.S.," Beth Stricker, Chief Creative Officer said.
Next, visitors will learn about the physical and mental challenges involved in space exploration. Guests can participate in hands-on activities like experiencing g-force, exercising without gravity, conducting maintenance on a space station, and learn about the realities of showering, sleeping and using the toilet in space.
As guests walk through the exhibit they will also see videos of real-life astronauts talking about their personal experiences and the challenges they faced on a daily basis.
“The families and the kids have such a great time in here. I have never seen anybody not engaged in every part of this exhibit,” Adams said.
For this exhibit, the Witte collaborated with the Southwest Research Institution and Space Center Houston in order to bring some new objects, new science and interesting items that San Antonians would enjoy.
“We like to have exhibits like this because they’re hopefully going to inspire the next generation to want to go to space.," Adams said.
The Witte hosts special exhibits in an effort to inspire the community with the latest discoveries. Exhibits in the Witte typically fall under the umbrella where nature, science and culture meet. The Witte team picks exhibitions that would be the most exciting for visitors, the most inspiring and comes with new information.
"Guests are going to have a great time in the exhibition. There’s so much to do, so many hands-on opportunities. It’s really a fun time and what’s a better time to be indoors in San Antonio then the summertime?," Stricker said.
